CHAPTER 512: EPILOGUE EARTH DEMON (9)

‘She actually knows how to control her emotions quite well?’

Ah Ryeong’s gaze shining through her expressionless face was impressive.

No emotion could be read from her eyes.

Rather, her cautious look seemed almost deliberate.

He knew the Third Disciple was skilled at manipulating and controlling people, but Seol-Hwi didn’t expect her to control her emotions to this extent.

‘The past assessment that she was overly emotional might have been an act.’

Her excited reaction at their first meeting fits that theory.

With her ability to control even physiological responses, it was entirely possible.

Perhaps, in terms of hiding her true feelings, she was a step above the other disciples.

That must be why Ah Ryeong earned the trust of the Cult Leader.

At the same time, Seol-Hwi thought persuading her wouldn’t be easy.

Of course, assuming she was an ordinary person.

“You want to ask if I have some ulterior motive, don’t you?”

He brought up the uncomfortable topic first.

If Seol-Hwi couldn’t read her thoughts, he had to lead her to a point of interest.

“As you know, my full strength is exposed: the number of troops, the level of retainers following me, my abilities. No one in the main cult is unaware. Even if I had some scheme, could I really cause you significant harm?”

Ah Ryeong looked at him silently, so Seol-Hwi stared into her eyes and continued.

“If you were me, what choice would you make?”

A brief silence passed. Seol-Hwi broke the silence and spoke again.

“The troops and power are clearly displayed. You wouldn’t think that recruiting one or two Supreme warriors would turn the tide, would you?”

“So, you want to come under me.”

Only then did she respond.

Her voice was mixed with displeasure and curiosity.

The following conversation continued in that ambiguous tone.

“But how can I trust you?”

“Is it absolutely necessary to trust me?”

“Don’t play word games in front of me.”

“I’m not joking. I’m sincere.”

He spoke confidently toward Ah Ryeong, who frowned.

“Your situation is a dilemma, isn’t it? Facing the other sahyungs head-on is too risky, but retreating puts you at a disadvantage.”

Ah Ryeong was silent again. Seol-Hwi took the opportunity to continue.

“Imagine you have a fine steed perfect for you in such a situation.”

Ah Ryeong raised her eyebrow slightly and continued,

“Go on.”

“That steed has the power to devour all enemies but sometimes self-destructs because it can’t control that power. If that horse voluntarily becomes your weapon…” ṝ𝔞Ｎ𝘖ᛒÊṣ

“……”

“Isn’t there no reason to refuse?”

Ah Ryeong naturally lowered her eyes, pondered briefly, then spoke.

“But that might strike me, not the enemy.”

“I have no reason to do that, do I?”

“You never know. You might have already made a deal with someone else. That’s what worries me.”

“You mean you can’t trust me. Fine. Then I’ll ask this.”

As expected, Ah Ryeong was not someone who trusted easily.

But there was no need to force his way through her suspicion.

He could just lead her to a broader battlefield.

“What is your dream?”

Ah Ryeong showed no reaction to his question.

He asked again.

“Is it to become the Cult Leader? Or…”

He paused briefly and continued.

“Is it to be someone recognized by all?”

At that moment, she openly frowned.

He couldn’t tell if the question made her uncomfortable or if she wanted to convey discomfort to him.

But it didn’t matter.

Because now was when Seol-Hwi wanted to say what truly mattered.

“My dream is to live. More precisely, to live happily and for a long time.”

He paused briefly, then continued.

“To do that, I must either become strong or rely on others. But whichever I choose, once the real fight begins, I won’t survive. You know that, right?”

He met Ah Ryeong’s gaze again.

“Then going under sajo is the only way. Because whichever sahyung I decide to go under, they’ll use me like a weapon.”

Ah Ryeong listened silently, so Seol-Hwi continued.

“If I’m destined to be a weapon anyway, I want to choose a place where I can at least enjoy myself a little. So I thought: the Great Sahyung already has the strongest power, so he won’t need me. That leaves the second sahyung and you.”

He calmly continued alone.

“Second sahyung Demon Lord trusts those who have been with him a long time. He uses any means for his success. I can’t enjoy myself under such a person.”

“…Do you think I’m different?”

“No. I think you’re similar. In some ways, even more dangerous than others. You won’t trust me and will always doubt me. Still, one thing is certain.”

He emphasized his voice.

“I will shine brightest when I’m by your side.”

Silence fell.

And this time, it lasted long.

Unlike her usual self, Seol-Hwi could feel her deep contemplation.

After a long while, she spoke.

“Interesting proposal.”

Her reaction was positive.

And Seol-Hwi didn’t miss this moment.

“There is one condition.”

“Of course. You wouldn’t just offer your neck.”

Ah Ryeong’s reaction was unexpected.

She acted as if she had already anticipated his condition.

She was definitely different from the Ah Ryeong Seol-Hwi knew.

“Speak first.”

“When commanding my subordinates, please consult with me.”

“Why? You don’t like me acting on my own?”

“That’s not what I mean.”

He continued with a sly expression.

“I want you to make proper use of my abilities. Convincing the recluse warrior Dam Cheon was purely due to my persuasion. If I act as your strategist, you can make more prudent and wise decisions.”

For the first time, Ah Ryeong showed emotion at his words.

“Hmph. Fine. I’ll do it. I’m curious about your abilities too. Convincing that stubborn old man Dam Cheon, and also from your subordinate’s perspective…”

She smiled slightly and continued,

“They’ll need time to accept it.”

She stood up.

“Nothing else?”

“No.”

“Then let’s do well.”

She extended her hand.

He stood and shook it.

“I look forward to working with you, my Lord.”

“My Lord? Just call me ‘Lord’ as before.”

“Haha. Understood, Lord.”

Indeed, you have to experience someone directly to truly know them.

This meeting was quite impressive to him as well.

Ah Ryeong had far superior intellect and judgment than expected, and also had strategic skills beneath that.

‘Of course, that’s when considering the culprit as the standard…’

He had already experienced this world too much.

Having eliminated Jang Dal who created the world, none of her actions moved him much.

Still, Seol-Hwi was somewhat impressed, and Ah Ryeong was quite important in the future Seol-Hwi envisioned.

“Ah, I almost forgot.”

Ah Ryeong, about to leave, suddenly stopped and looked back.

“The sahyungs said to meet at the garden tonight.”

“…Is that so?”

“Don’t worry. Whatever happens, I’ll be by your side. We’re allies, after all.”

“Just hearing that makes me feel reassured.”

“Ah, if something goes wrong… I might have to take the Great Sahyung down with me.”

“…?”

“Just kidding. We’ve agreed to cooperate now; I wouldn’t just let myself die.”

Ah Ryeong left, making a joke uncharacteristic of her.

She was definitely not the kind of person you see easily anywhere.

Her footsteps echoed.

After she closed the door, Seol-Hwi approached the window.

“How long has it been? Seeing them all in one place.”

The news of recruiting Dam Cheon had spread among the disciples.

They might be curious how Seol-Hwi persuaded him, but more than that, his actions were a thorn in their side.

So they arranged a meeting to ask why and to scold him.

“This should be interesting.”

He smiled and leaned back in his chair, planning to take a short nap and relax.

----------------------------------------

At dusk, Seol-Hwi left the Heavenly Library and headed to the garden.

- Everyone is gathered.

While preparing to leave, a hidden warrior appeared and delivered the message.

He heard it was in the evening, but they gathered earlier than expected.

- Is there a bodyguard named Go Eun near me?

- Yes. Among the newly selected, there is one with that name. Is there a problem?

- No, just asking.

“All the buildings are new.”

Walking leisurely and looking at familiar buildings, memories from the past surfaced.

During the Supreme Pavilion Lord days, there were more chores than martial arts training.

“Suddenly, I want to see old friends too.”

Lost in thoughts, Seol-Hwi found himself in front of the garden. He entered after greeting the checkpoint guards.

‘They’re all gathered.’

He could see them clearly from afar.

The pavilion had a ceremonially arranged table and chairs, with three people sitting guard.

Long ago, Seol-Hwi recalled awkward moments in such a setting.

Step, step.

Approaching them, familiar faces came into clear view.

The First Disciple stared at him emotionlessly, the Second Disciple looked up with curious eyes.

And unlike usual, the Third Disciple showed a distinctly welcoming expression.

“You’re here, my sajae?”

“…?”

“…”

At Ah Ryeong’s words, the other two focused their gaze on her.

But she ignored them and approached him to embrace.

“Everyone seems to be seeing our sajae for the first time, huh?”

No one answered. It was natural.

They were more curious about why they suddenly became so close.

“Ah, right. The sahyungs are curious why we’re so close, right?”

Ah Ryeong kindly explained to the two glaring disciples.

“The sajae decided to cooperate with me. We also merged our forces… In other words, we joined hands.”

“…”

“…”

Still no words.

The cold atmosphere from the first meeting grew even colder.

Demon Lord broke the silence.

“Is that true?”

He asked him as if confirming.

“Yes, second sahyung.”

“Hah.”

Demon Lord showed a rather surprised reaction then, but End Demon remained unchanged.

“What’s the reason?”

He asked Ah Ryeong instead.

“Reason? Well… um. Because I want to be the best.”

“The best? With that miserable guy?”

This time, their gazes turned to him.

And Ah Ryeong naturally looked at him.

‘Hah. These guys don’t even realize the world has changed.’

He calmly accepted their stares.

He was rather intrigued.

And a phrase Seol-Hwi barely uttered while trembling in the past, but now felt worth saying, came to mind.

Exactly.

“What are you looking at, you bastard?”

It was to act like the choices from the past.